At the Caravan Salon 2025 in Düsseldorf, Aboutcamp BtoB had the opportunity to talk to Thomas Kamm, Head of Marketing and Communication at Fendt-Caravan, and Leo Berchtenbreiter, Head of Development/Design at Fendt-Caravan, about the new project/product.

 

 

Aboutcamp BtoB − Mr Kamm, is the „NEXT“-caravan another series in the Fendt Caravan portfolio?
Thomas Kamm − No, it isn’t. NEXT has been deliberately positioned as an independent brand and not as another series from Fendt-Caravan, because the NEXT 380 quite simply has parameters and brand values that set it apart. Just from the look of it, when you look at the front of the vehicle, you can see that it is fundamentally different from the appearance of the Fendt-Caravan range. That in example is why it’s a separate brand. We have brand values and a concept of lightness, down-to-earthness, what we call “base equipped”. This means that I have everything I need with me, without any unnecessary frills. It should look modern, but still have a certain amount of Fendt-Caravan comfort. This means that we have a certain standard of quality, premium quality, which we also incorporate into the NEXT, in line with our DNA, and we cannot escape our own identity, which comes from Fendt-Caravan. In summary, NEXT is a completely independent brand. However, it is designed by Fendt-Caravan developers and the vehicles are produced at the Fendt Caravan production in Mertingen and marketed by the Fendt Caravan organisation and beyond.

Aboutcamp BtoB − What does “and beyond” mean?
Thomas Kamm − We initially offered the NEXT as a new brand to our Fendt-Caravan dealers. We were surprised by the demand: more than 90 percent of our partners were not only enthusiastic, but also placed orders right away. But to answer your question, with the NEXT we are not only breaking new ground in terms of products, but also in terms of marketing. Any caravan dealer can apply to become a NEXT-dealer. After receiving an application, we review the situation and, provided that the dealer does not overlap with a Fendt-Caravan dealer in terms of territory, they can add the NEXT to their product portfolio.

Aboutcamp BtoB − Why was the NEXT developed? Does the caravan market still have additional potential?
Thomas Kamm − You’re right, the caravan market is currently under some pressure. After the boom and hype of the pandemic, registration numbers have unfortunately declined. Although I must mention that the figures for Fendt-Caravan do not reflect the decline in the overall market. But back to the NEXT. Our market analyses have shown that such a lightweight caravan meets future market requirements and therefore promises sales success. And that on various levels. This includes the area of E-mobility, but also the trend towards smaller cars that can only tow light weights. With the NEXT, younger campers with more compact vehicles also have the opportunity to go camping with a limited German B96 class driving licence, as the total weight of the combination is less than 3.5 tonnes and the NEXT weighs only 1,000 kilograms.

 

 

Aboutcamp BtoB − What are the key facts and figures for the new NEXT?
Leo Berchtenbreiter − First, the dimensions: it is only 5.88 metres long, the body measures 4.37 metres, it is 2.19 metres wide, offers a standing height of 1.98 metres and weighs only 1,000 kilograms. The reduced width alone (2.19 metres instead of 2.30/2.50 metres) saves weight. In addition, we took great care during production to use materials that are lightweight. This includes the sandwich construction with wood, the avoidance of double walls, the use of ultrasonically welded dowels (from Würth company) and special hinges (from the Fendt Diamond series). There are no flaps in the storage box area and there is no drawbar box; the gas bottles are located behind a side flap. However, all these measures, combined with compact dimensions and lighter weight, still allow for the standardised basic comfort features that a camper can expect from their caravan.

Aboutcamp BtoB − The NEXT is advertised with the slogan ‘Reduce to the Max’. What does the caravan offer?
Leo Berchtenbreiter − The NEXT offers sufficient storage space for two to three people. Technically, we have a stable chassis, good insulation, a fresh water tank with external filling, heating, a sleeping area, a functional kitchenette with a hob with a two-burner gas stove, a double-door refrigerator and storage space, and a washing area with a toilet. We have also ensured a pleasant atmosphere: the cosy seating area has a wonderful view through three windows, and light also enters the caravan from above through the built-in skylight. LEDs provide the perfect lighting, roller blinds offer protection, and the sofa can be converted into a third bed in no time at all. What more could you want?

Aboutcamp BtoB − What about the payload, and have test drives been carried out to prove how suitable the NEXT is for e-mobility? Does the NEXT have a 100 km/h approval in its basic configuration?
Leo Berchtenbreiter − The payload is around 200 kilograms. And yes, we have carried out test drives with the Next. We paired the Next in its production state with a VW ID 7 and covered a mix of 200 kilometres of country roads and motorways. After that, we still had a remaining range of about 50 kilometres. And yes, if all necessary regulations are met, a ‘100 km/h’ approval is possible.

 

 

Aboutcamp BtoB − What are the initial experiences here at the show and from the dealers?
Thomas Kamm − Overwhelmingly positive. We are surprised ourselves. Even long-standing caravan customers are showing great interest. Many older campers are apparently toying with the idea of trading in their large caravans for a compact NEXT, which is on average ten centimetres narrower and adequately equipped. The broad middle class is being forced by company policy decisions to use company vehicles with electric drives. These people, and all those who generally prefer e-mobility, are looking for a caravan that is compatible with their towing vehicle. It’s a market that is constantly growing.

Aboutcamp BtoB − Following these success stories, the question arises as to whether the NEXT caravan range will be expanded.
Leo Berchtenbreiter − That is entirely possible. We currently offer a total of three additional equipment packages for the NEXT 380, including a weight increase of up to 1,300 kilograms and bicycle racks, and the use of an AKS safety coupling. After the initial positive feedback from our customers, we will analyse their wishes and then, most likely, develop alternative versions while maintaining compactness.